2026 Is Off to a Fast Start!
As we head into the spring market, activity across Central Indiana is already picking up. According to MIBOR, pending sales are up 3% year over year, with fewer expired and withdrawn listings compared to this time last year.
Inventory has increased modestly from historic lows, giving buyers more options while still remaining tight enough that well-priced homes are moving quickly. While bidding wars have cooled slightly, strong homes are still seeing solid demand.
Mortgage rates have eased into the low-6% range, improving affordability and bringing more buyers back into the market. NAR's Chief Economist Lawrence Yun projects existing-home sales could rise by as much as 14% in 2026 if rates continue trending toward 6%.
We're already seeing this momentum in Hamilton, Marion, and Boone counties, and we'd love to help you be part of this year's growth.
How to Prepare Your Home to Be Part of This Year's Market
Leverage Your Timing
No matter mortgage rates or economic trends, spring is always the best time to sell in Indiana. Activity builds from January, accelerates in March, and peaks in May. Sellers should start prepping and staging early to maximize peak buyer demand.
Capture Curb Appeal
Buyers form opinions before they ever step inside, often from the curb or online photos. As the weather warms up, refresh your exterior by cleaning windows, clearing yard debris, and adding fresh planters to make a great first impression.
Organize Your Interiors
Start by cleaning and decluttering to prepare for your move. Donate or remove items you no longer need and consolidate packed boxes into storage areas like the basement or garage. By early spring, you'll be ready to finalize staging and photography to showcase your home at its best.
Finish Your Updates
The best return before selling comes from small, cosmetic improvements. Repair wall and door dings, refresh rooms with neutral paint, replace worn carpet, deep clean bathrooms, and fix any sticking doors, windows, or cabinets. We're happy to share our trusted contractor list to make the process seamless and affordable.
Staging Your Home Can Make a Big Impact
Staging helps potential buyers visualize themselves living in the space by making it look clean, organized, and welcoming, often leading to quicker sales and better offers.
Staging is an investment in your home, and the return on investment can be substantial, with most homes selling for over asking price. Home staging brings on average an 8%-10%+ return on investment and spends 73% less time on the market than a non-staged home.
Staging benefits all homes, no matter the size. Our team works with a variety of vendors to prep your home, including Gray Staging and Design. Look at these photos from MHC listings to see the transformation staging can make as you consider selling your home this year. You will note that our team works hard to make your house shine too.
Favorite St. Patrick's Day Activities
Many of the members of our MHC team are Irish, and would love to share some of our favorite St. Patrick's Day activities with you.
Greening of the Canal
Kick-off of the weekend at the Ohio St. Canal Basin starting at 5:00 PM on 3/12. Live music and guest speakers as well.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Parade is on North St. between Meridian and Pennsylvania starting at 11:30 on 3/13, with a tent party to follow.
Shamrock Drop
Tons of family fun at Westfield Grand Junction Plaza on 3/14 from 12-3. Prizes, games, including the drop, crafts, food, and drinks.
